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Halley

Girl name · 6 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Halley: 6 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 3 births in 2019.

Halley, a name that sparkles with celestial charm, has two primary origins. The more familiar root is Old English, where it began as a surname meaning "hay meadow" (from *heg* and *leah*). However, for many, it's inextricably linked to Edmond Halley, the English astronomer who calculated the orbit of the comet that now bears his name—a connection that lends the name a cosmic, scholarly air. Another, separate root is Scandinavian, where Halley can be a variant of Halla, meaning "sloping rock" or "flat stone." While no major places share the name directly, Halley Bay in Antarctica is named after the astronomer, and the name's astronomical link has made it a popular, gender-neutral choice for parents drawn to science and nature. Notable bearers include the American actress Halley Feiffer. As a variant, it's often considered a close cousin to Hailey or Hayley, with the classic "ey" spelling adding a touch of distinction.